ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Watch Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ManTech International

Watch Officer

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

MANTECH seeks a motivated and team-oriented Watch Officer to support a DHS customer in Chandler, AZ As part of this mission, you will help the organization maintain its prestigious designation as a ...

Strativia

Sr. Intelligence Watch Officer

Washington, DC · On-site

$106K - $134K/yr

The Senior Intelligence Watch Officer serves as a senior member of a 24/7 intelligence operations team, providing real-time monitoring, analysis, coordination, and dissemination of intelligence ...

Leidos

Cyber Security Watch Officer

Odenton, MD · On-site

Serve as a Cyber Security Watch Officer (CSWO) on the DISA GSM-O II program supporting the DISA Joint Operations Center (DJOC) Network Assurance team. CSWOs are principally engaged in the triage of ...

Leidos

Cyber Security Watch Officer

Odenton, MD · On-site

Serve as a Cyber Security Watch Officer (CSWO) on the DISA GSM-O II program supporting the DISA Joint Operations Center (DJOC) Network Assurance team. CSWOs are principally engaged in the triage of ...

StratasCorp

Watch Officer- Mid

Quantico, VA · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Location Quantico, VA - Quantico, VA 22134 US (Primary) Category Information Technology Our team in Quantico, Virginia is seeking a Watch Officer (Mid) to join our team. This position is located on ...

Leidos

Operations Watch Officer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Operations Watch Officer in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Leidos

Operations Watch Officer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for an Operations Watch Officer in our Intel Sector Analysis Solutions Business Area (ASBA) in McLean, VA. Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsWatch Officer Jobs

Watch Officer information

See salary details

$19K

$66K

$140K

How much do watch officer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for watch officer in the United States is $65,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a watch officer?

Watch Officers are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing operations during a specific shift or 'watch' period, often in maritime, military, emergency response, or security settings. Their duties typically include monitoring activities, coordinating communication, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and responding to incidents as needed. Watch Officers play a critical role in maintaining situational awareness and facilitating smooth transitions between shifts. They must be detail-oriented, able to make quick decisions, and possess strong leadership skills. The role may vary depending on the industry, but the core responsibility is to ensure operations run efficiently and safely during their watch.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watch officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watch Officer, you need a solid understanding of navigation, maritime safety regulations, and vessel operations, typically supported by a maritime academy degree and Officer of the Watch (OOW) certification. Familiarity with navigation systems, radar, ECDIS, and communication equipment is integral to the role. Strong situational awareness, decision-making, and leadership skills help manage crew and respond effectively to emergencies. These skills ensure safe vessel operations, regulatory compliance, and effective response to dynamic maritime situations.

What are some common challenges faced by watch officers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Watch Officers often encounter challenges such as maintaining situational awareness during long shifts, handling multiple incidents simultaneously, and ensuring clear communication among team members and stakeholders. To manage these effectively, it is crucial to follow established protocols, utilize checklists, and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Regular training, strong teamwork, and effective use of monitoring tools can also help Watch Officers stay organized and responsive during high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Watch Officer vs Marine Safety Officer?

AspectWatch OfficerMarine Safety Officer
CredentialsSTCW certifications, maritime trainingMaritime safety certifications, regulatory training
Work EnvironmentShip bridge, maritime operationsPorts, maritime safety agencies, regulatory bodies
Employer & IndustryShipping companies, maritime vesselsGovernment agencies, maritime safety organizations
Search & ComparisonOften searched together due to maritime safety rolesRelated but more regulatory-focused

While both roles involve maritime safety, a Watch Officer primarily oversees navigation and vessel operations onboard ships, requiring maritime certifications. A Marine Safety Officer works in safety regulation, inspections, and compliance within maritime agencies or ports. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path in the maritime industry.

How do you become a watch officer?

To become a watch officer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by relevant maritime training or certification such as a Merchant Mariner Credential or STCW certification. Prior experience at sea or in related roles is often required, along with strong communication and navigation skills, and the ability to work in shifts on a vessel or maritime environment.

How much do watch officers make?

Watch officers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require certifications such as security or safety training and work in environments like transportation hubs, maritime ports, or security operations.
More about Watch Officer jobs

What cities are hiring for Watch Officer jobs?

Cities with the most Watch Officer job openings:

What states have the most Watch Officer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Watch Officer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Watch Officer jobs?

For Watch Officer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Watch Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watch Officer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,966 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Junior Watch Officer

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Red Cedar Consultancy
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Red Cedar Consultancyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 hours ago

Job description

Looking for candidates with Active Secret Clearance only
Job Title: Junior Watch Officer
Location: 6315 Bren Mar Drive, Alexandria, VA 22312
Summary: This program supports services by providing continuous watch, briefing, and analytical support for the customers Operations Center and Incident Management System. The effort delivers 24/7 situational awareness through the monitoring, analysis, synthesis, and dissemination of operational, intelligence, and incident-related information impacting federally protected facilities nationwide. Contractor support includes producing executive-level briefings, daily and emergent reports, geospatial and data-driven products, and coordinating information flow across the regions, DHS components, and interagency partners. The program operates in both classified and unclassified environments and is designed to support steady-state operations, special events, emergencies, and incident response, ensuring the customer leadership has timely, accurate, and actionable information to support mission-critical decision-making
Responsibilities:
  • Maintain operational awareness, produce reports and briefings, manage RFIs, support GIS/COP functions, and operating DHS/FPS systems
  • Maintain situational awareness of DHS-related events, incidents, and threats
  • Produce incident reports, reporting products, and briefs
  • Maintain the Request for Information (RFI) database
  • Track RFIs and ensure RFIs are reviewed and approved
  • Conduct limited analysis on data in response to RFIs
  • Produce limited GIS imagery to support reporting products
  • Maintain the Common Operating Picture (COP)
  • Ensure the blotter is received and reviewed
  • Produce, review, distribute, and brief operational reports
  • Maintain distribution lists
  • Update watch turnover/pass-down reports
  • Access, navigate, and utilize DHS and FPS law enforcement data systems and networks up to the Secret clearance level
  • Additional work and activity as directed by management
  • Expectations include but are not limited to:
  • Must support 24x7x365 operations
  • Must be able to deploy nationwide for up to two weeks in support of Incident Management Teams
  • Must possess a Secret clearance
  • Typically work under the oversight of more senior personnel
  • Require up to 3 years of related experience in operations centers, emergency management, dispatch, or first responder environments
  • Require a BA/BS degree

Requirements:
  • A Junior Watch Officer shall have 3 years of experience in operation centers, emergency management, dispatch, first responder (law enforcement/fire/rescue) or related work
  • Minimum requirement of a BA/BS
  • Candidate should have Active Secret Clearance

Apply